Theatre Nights: Triple bill of Cork Proms concerts

This Saturday night sees the start of the spectacular Cork Proms at the Opera House, featuring three very different concerts with three very distinct musical themes.

Saturday and Sunday (April 19/20) will offer a spectacular show in Epic Icons Of Musical Theatre. Not only will this showcase some of the most memorable and soaring anthems of musicals that have shaped the theatrical world, it will also bring to life some of the unforgettable characters who have defined the stage - from Nancy in Oliver!, and Jean Valjean in Les Misérables, to Maria in The Sound Of Music.

Curated by Trevor Ryan and conducted by John O’Brien, the evening will feature a stellar lineup featuring two homegrown stars who are currently conquering the West End: Claire O’Leary and Shane O’Riordan, alongside Ben Morris, Juliette Crosbie, and Jacinta Whyte.

Next Wednesday, April 23, The Ultimate Classics will take audiences on a dazzling journey of masterpieces from popular culture. From the thrilling strains of Also Sprach Zarathustra from 2001: A Space Odyssey, to Rossini’s exhilarating William Tell Overture and Wagner’s iconic Ride Of The Valkyries, the evening pays tribute to many of the greatest cinematic, TV and cultural moments.

The Ultimate Classics is curated and conducted by acclaimed pianist and musical supremo Gary Beecher. Under his baton, the Opera House Concert Orchestra will perform enduring TV and cinematic masterpieces.

The Cork Proms will conclude on Saturday, April 26 and Sunday, April 27, with Kings, Queens and Princes of Pop, curated by Opera House CEO and Artistic Director Eibhlín Gleeson, and celebrated Cork musician Jack O’Rourke, promising an electrifying evening of pop royalty with Gemma Sugrue, Shobsy, Sexy Tadgh, and Lucia Evans. A wonderful celebration of the world’s greatest performers such as Queen, Prince, Elton John, Madonna, Kylie Minogue, Michael Jackson and George Michael. The Opera House Concert Orchestra will be conducted by Elaine Kelly.

“The Cork Proms is a festival of music for everyone and one of our own productions that we hold dearest,” says Gleeson.

“It gives us immense pride to be able to bring together so many superb artists, many of whom have a long history with the Opera House, alongside our own orchestra, to deliver what promise to be five truly memorable concerts.”

See www.corkoperahouse.ie or call 021 427 0022.

At Everyman, Brian Friel’s Making History is wowing audiences, with its gripping tale of Hugh O’Neill’s secret marriage at the time of his confrontation with an England determined on colonisation. Continuing to April 26.

Also, you could make a real night of it by booking a seat at the table of the Faulty Towers Dining Experience in the Metropole, continuing until Sunday at 7.30pm nightly – with, for those who enjoy a weekend lunch with a difference – a special 1.30pm show on Easter Sunday. Just be prepared for not quite your usual dinner date!

Call 021 450 1673 or see www.everymancork.com.

Conal Creedon’s The Cure continues at Cork Arts Theatre until Saturday, telling the tale of an alcoholic on the brink. 8pm start.

Tuesday and Wednesday next week sees the popular return of Jump!?, a middle-aged coming-of-age comedy written and performed by Pauline O’Driscoll. She’s had enough, she wants to scream, to shout, break out. Great fun. April 22/23 at 8pm. Call 021 450 5624.

And finally, would you believe we are almost into May, and what does that mean, other than the 70th Cork Choral Festival!

Now an international fixture as well as our own proud heritage, it runs this year from Apr 30 to May 4, with songs and music all over the place. Pick up their informative leaflet or log on to www.corkchoral.ie. More details on all that’s on offer next week.